Rating: 
Summary: Permission?
Review: One can't help but ask the question "Am I allowed to laugh during this film?" and "Is it OK to say that I loved this film?"In other words, pure cinematic and literary genius. Own it!
Rating:
Summary: If you like Cozy Movies, steer clear of Real Life
Review: Todd Solondz has pulled off something here that is far more remarkable than he achieved with "Welcome To The Dollhouse". He has thrown together a cast of completely repugnant characters (with the exception of the lone protagonist----ironically named "Joy") and displayed them for who they are. He doesn't make an effort to justify their behavior, or condone it. But he forces us to LOOK at them as sick hurting souls, and in the process, reveals more about human nature than any movie I've ever seen. Solondz's film pushes the envelope in ways that make Neil Labute's "Friends and Neighbors" seem like "Bambi". Nothing is sacred. While the film (at 139 minutes) is sluggish in parts, the acting, particularly Phillip Seymour Hoffman's pathetic obscene phone calling geek, Camryn Manheim's overweight murderer and (in particular) Dylan Baker's seriously sick pedophilic shrink drive the film and keep us riveted...it's a miracle that we don't stop watching. To summarize "Happiness" with repeated negative adjectives and to downplay it for it's lack of cuddly emotions demeans the entire film. It's certainly not about sex-----these characters don't even have (or probably deserve) FRIENDS, much less lovers. But like any controversial work, you have to address it for what it is, not what you would like it to be. If you want happy endings and plastic, feel-good characters, check out "You've Got Mail"---but if you want insight into why people do the horrible things they do----things that happen in every town---YOUR TOWN---more often than you'd like, check out Todd's dark vision.
Rating:
Summary: the best comedy of the year
Review: This movie stays on the thin line between "funny" and "repulsive". It is the third full-length feature by Solondz and clearly the best one. But this movie is not for everyone. Don't buy it if you are easily offended. This is a wonderful work of art and art shouldn't have boundaries or barriers. It is no surprise that this movie picked a number of awards and was very well received by intellegent and sophisticated audience. This movie wants you to watch it over and over again. That's why I decided to own a copy. This movie got the critics polarized. It either gets 5 or zero (from people who don't "get it"). I am waiting for more movies from Solondz and I would like to extend my arm and my middle finger to October films who bailed out of the project.
Rating:
Summary: Brilliance.
Review: All I can say about this movie is that it makes you hate anyone that doesn't like it. Nothing more, nothing less.
Rating:
Summary: Solondz is simply outstanding
Review: Solondz has figured out how to make the audience laugh hard and then feel guilty about it later. No other movie has left me in such a confused and affected state. Amazing.
Rating:
Summary: Uncomfortable truth.
Review: Happiness is not easy to watch, but the student of sociology and psychology will find much that rings true. If you loved Happiness, but aren't sure why, or you hated Happiness because you thought it was manipulative and contrived, you should read Sigmund Freud's Civilization and Its Discontents. The book is relatively short, and one of the most trenchant examinations of modern society ever written. I'm sure Freud's book served, in one way or another, as the impetus to Solondz's movie.
Rating: 
Summary: This is a movie that REALLY makes you think after it's over.
Review: By the time that this movie is over, it will be all that you think about for the next day.This is becuase Todd Solondz acheives in making you laugh about something,and then wanting to slap yourself for laughing about it.The movie is about the lives of three sisters, one of which lives next to a peverted neighbor who preys on her,and calls her,just to hang up or pant heavily.The second is about a women who cannot find happiness in her life,and can't seem to keep a man.The third is about a good old fashioned family,with the exeption of the father being a pedophile,who preys on his sons friends.The point of this movie is not to exploit pediophilism or lonliness.It is that nobody has a perfect life,and their is always something wrong.It is just the way that Solondz decides to show us this,that it has the affect of an a-bomb on us.This is definitly not a movie for everyone, but it is one that will(deservedly so) stay in controversy forever.
Rating:
Summary: A misunderstood film worth watching
Review: How can one say this film has no point to make? The separate but inter-related stories of social interaction in today's society. specifically that of the netherworld known as New Jersey, is simultaneously a hilarious mockery and poignant expose of humanity ---- people are lonely, deprived, weak, and most of all, stupid! It is brilliant in its vision alone, if not the actual execution of the vision on film. I laughed my asp off, squirmed, winced, and came away thinking "Yeah, it's really like that, isn't it." If you are unable to see past the elements of the messenger (pedophilia, etc.) to get to the message, then please, don't see this movie, and especially do not comment on it! This isn't the type of film to be embraced by the mainstream and win awards, but if you want to be entertained and like satire, go for it.
Rating: 
Summary: Avoid
Review: What an awful, awful film. As to the much-vaunted "taboo" subject matter, nothing rings true. Its perfectly legitimate to attack difficult subjects, but to simply exploit them in an attempt to add fire to an otherwise flat script and unimaginative direction and production merely bores and offends (the intelligence, not the sensibilities) of the audience. After this and the meandering "Dollhouse," Solondz should hang it up.
Rating:
Summary: An emotional slap to the head
Review: Todd Solondz manages to take an incredible story and make you laugh and make you sick to your stomach at once. An amazing film of emotion. This film isn't for everyone but for everyone who enjoys a film to grab you by the throat and smack you around a bit. Highly recommended.
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